Name: ________________________________________ Business Communication
Directions:
Evaluate the student by checking the appropriate number or letter to indicate the degree of competency. The rating for
each task should reflect employability readiness rather than the grades given in class.
Rating Scale:
3 Mastered – can work independently with no supervision
2 Requires Supervision – can perform job completely with limited supervision
1 Not Mastered – requires instruction and close supervision
N No Exposure – no experience or knowledge in this area
3 2 1 N A. Develop Communication Foundation Skills Notes:
1. Practice pronunciation and enunciation
2. Ask questions to clarify information
3. Organize thoughts for written and oral
communication.
4. Demonstrate basic research techniques (e.g.,
library, Internet, and surveys)
5. Select appropriate materials for reports and
presentations
6. Use a variety of references and resources (e.g.,
dictionary, thesaurus, and spell check)
7. Use notetaking skills that incorporate critical
listening and reading techniques
8. Interpret messages, articles, and supporting graphic
materials
9. Interpret information from manuals, computer
printouts, and electronic sources
10. Use proper English and appropriate vocabulary
when communicating
11. Use acceptable standards for grammar, mechanics,
and word usage
12. Use bias-free language (e.g., gender, race,
religion, physical challenges, and sexual orientation)
13. Use the proper techniques to make an oral
presentation
14. Use acceptable steps in the writing process (e.g.,
plan, compose, edit, and produce)
15. Write business documents using the correct style,
format, and content
16. Distinguish between paraphrasing, documentation,
and plagiarism
17. Document all sources (e.g., print and electronic)
using current standards
18. Proofread documents for correct grammar,
spelling, and punctuation
19. Edit business documents to ensure that they are
effective (e.g., clear, concise, and consistent)
20. Select the appropriate reading method (e.g.,
skimming, scanning, speed-reading, and in-depth
reading) for a particular situation
21. Identify factors that affect readability of text (e.g.,
sentence length, word selection, and type size)
22. Identify major barriers to listening
23. Use active listening techniques
24. Interact effectively with people from diverse
backgrounds
Business Communication Competency Profile (2002) 1
25. List examples of how nonverbal messages have
different meanings in various cultures
26. Interpret nonverbal cues in messages
27. Use appropriate telephone techniques to gather
and record information
28. Record complete and accurate telephone messages
29. Evaluate media and oral presentations analytically
and critically
30. Distinguish between fact, inference, and judgment
in communication
Other:
3 2 1 N B. Develop Social Communication Skills Notes:
1. Demonstrate appropriate etiquette and manners in
different situations (e.g., diversity, dining, and
meetings)
2. Demonstrate professional and ethical behavior
3. Explain the role self-concept plays in personal and
professional life
4. Discuss the impact of time management practices
on personal and professional image
5. Practice simple introductions in different situations
6. Demonstrate appropriate work ethics (e.g., work
area, attitude, punctuality, appearance, and behavior)
7. Work cooperatively with peers and authority
figures (e.g., show tact, courtesy, and respect)
8. Explain the importance of following the chain-of-
command
9. Explain the value and impact of interpersonal
relationships
10. Discuss types of discrimination and the impact on
an interpersonal relationship
11. Demonstrate appropriate responses to passive,
assertive, and aggressive behaviors
12. Practice conflict resolution
13. Apply the principles of group dynamics in
structured activities
14. Discuss issues positively and tactfully
Other:
3 2 1 N C. Use Technological Communication Notes:
1. Select the appropriate technology for transmitting
messages
2. Demonstrate the appropriate use of electronic
messaging technologies (e.g., FAX, voice mail,
conference calls, chat rooms, and e-mail)
3. Apply the etiquette rules for electronic messaging
(e.g., e-mail, cellular telephone, and voice mail)
4. Use voice input and recognition tools
5. Use scanning hardware and layout, design, and
graphics software to enhance documents
Business Communication Competency Profile (2002) 2
6. Address ethical issues regarding ownership and the
use of electronically generated information
7. Discuss ways to keep data secure from theft and
destruction
Other:
3 2 1 N D. Develop Employment Communication Skills Notes:
1. Write a formal application letter
2. Complete job application forms
3. Create a resume in print (traditional and scannable)
and online formats
4. Demonstrate interview skills
5. Prepare responses to commonly asked interview
questions
6. Prepare a list of questions to ask an interviewer
7. Prepare responses to illegal and discriminatory
interview questions
8. Discuss the significance of nonverbal
communication in interviewing
9. Write a thank-you message
10. Use correct strategies for accepting or rejecting a
job offer (e.g., oral and written)
11. Discuss appropriate oral and written actions when
leaving a job under different circumstances (e.g.,
resignation and termination)
12. Create an employment portfolio
Other:
3 2 1 N E. Develop Organizational Communication Skills Notes:
1. Discuss communication techniques as they apply to
internal and external customers
2. Employ appropriate communication strategies for
dealing with dissatisfied customers (e.g., face-to-face
discussions, electronic correspondence, and writing)
3. Discuss office politics
4. Discuss the positive and negative aspects of the
“grapevine”
5. Discuss the impact of expressing courtesy and
gratitude to colleagues
6. Show interest and support for the ideas of others
7. Write personal notes to colleagues in special
circumstances (e.g., express congratulations,
sympathy, and appreciation)
8. Discuss sexual harassment and its implications in
the workplace
9. Plan a meeting to achieve an identified purpose
(e.g., schedule the facilities, arrange for a speaker, and
notify the participants)
Business Communication Competency Profile (2002) 3
10. Involve all participants in a meeting
11. Lead a brainstorming session
12. Use appropriate leadership language (e.g.,
optimism, encouragement, and action)
13. Demonstrate proper parliamentary procedures
14. Use delegation techniques
15. Use techniques to provide appropriate feedback
16. Discuss the basic concepts of negotiation
17. Lead a group activity that promotes team-building
concepts
18. Discuss the importance of taking responsibility for
all communication (e.g., ethical and legal)
Other:
Business Communication Competency Profile (2002) 4